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We often read of things that are totally normal in America but look super crazy to the rest of the world. Like free refills, medical debts, the sheer portion sizes, you name it. But hey, the place and time is everything when it comes to which things we view as typical and which ones raise our brows.
So this time, we are setting our eyes on Europe and the weird customs, things, and manners people in its 44 countries have that look totally crazy to Americans. “What's considered normal in Europe but horrific in America?” someone asked on AskReddit, and 12.7k comments followed.
We picked some of the most telling and thought-provoking responses that prove European countries are also home to a bunch of weirdos!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Old things. Houses especially. "Someone died in this house" yeah no s**t Sherlock, this house has been here more than your country
RELATED:
#2
The metric system
Sam Yobado 4 years ago
Favorite metric system quote is by Josh Bazell. “In metric, one milliliter of water occupies one cubic centimeter, weighs one gram, and requires one calorie of energy to heat up by one degree centigrade—which is 1 percent of the difference between its freezing point and its boiling point. ... Whereas in the American system, the answer to ‘How much energy does it take to boil a room-temperature gallon of water?’ is ‘Go f**k yourself,’ because you can’t directly relate any of those quantities.”
#3
Taking the bus. There is so much stigma around public transport in the US, especially busses, and in Europe it's just a totally normal way to get around because nobody wants to deal with driving and parking in a big city.
Also from an employer's perspective: 25+ vacation days minimum for all employees and unlimited sick days. The absolute horror.
#4
Songs with swear words being broadcasted on the radio, or swear words not being covered with a beep tone on tv. It’s always felt weird to me that Americans are all about being free and freedom of speech but then again they are scared of some stupid words.
#5
Pro union laws. Pro worker labour laws. Mandatory paid vacation days (including fines for companies if the workers don't take their vacation days or get them payed out. They NEED to actually leave work legally for around 25 days per year).
#6
Letting kids go to school or walk around the neighborhood by themselves without supervision.
A Dutch family moved to the USA and their kids went to school on their bikes like they always do, after a while the police showed up on their doorstep and child protective services letting them know they’re being irresponsible and to not do that again.
#7
Mailman doesnt leave packages unattended on your porch. He eather gives you it on the doorstep or you go get it at the post office. Much less infureating than getting it stolen or thrown accros your yard by a mailman...
#8
Taking of your shoes when getting home.
James016 4 years ago
I'd rather not have muddy footprints/ dirt from outside around the house.
Happi doggi 4 years ago
I thought this was normal in America. The only person in my family who wears shoes in the house is my grandma, but she has to for medical reasons.
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Natalie 4 years ago
Wearing outdoor shoes in the house is disgusting; it's like not washing your hands after using the toilet.
Zophra 4 years ago
US here. I agree if this is my own house, but if I had guests over for dinner, it would be weird for them to remove their shoes. Besides, what if they have stinky feet?
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Nina 4 years ago
Yes! This! What is this thing about wearing shoes inside the house in the US? The mess!
Dre Mosley 4 years ago
Not true. One of the first things many people do when they get home is kick their shoes off.
Pamela Blue 4 years ago
Not me. I have arthritis in both feet, and find walking very painful without my shoes. I want to cry when someone wants me to remove my shoes at the door on a dry day. So I just hobble to a chair and sit and not move until it's time to leave again.
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Burs 4 years ago
Not really a thing in Spain where it is often considered rude to take your shoes off (at least in my region). I always loved being barefoot and hated that in most places I couldn’t be. One of my close friends has the “no shoes” rule at her home and has slippers for the guests but most people looks at her with disbelief the first times.
Zaza 4 years ago
I'd rather not get athletes foot from slippers worn by dozens of people before me, thank you very much
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Katchen 4 years ago
Almost everyone I know in the US takes their shoes off in their own homes. I’m in California for what it’s worth.
Agata Fronia 4 years ago
when some detectives came and ask to see out cctv, I was like yeah, but take your shoes off. No one will step over the threshold with their shoes on.
Nicole A 3 years ago
First three things I do when I get into the house: strip (or at least remove the bra) and change into comfortable clothing. Change to house slippers. Wash my hands. I don't want outside germs in my house and any women out there will definitely understand why the bra comes off right away. I'm from US
Evil Little Thing 4 years ago (edited)
Removing shoes in the house is common in the US too. Not ubiquitous, but common. You just don't see it on TV because those aren't real people who have to clean their floors.
kim morris 4 years ago
I'm in the US, we've ALWAYS taken our shoes off when we come inside from the dirty outside.
Kitti B. 4 years ago
I smile when US people are shocked by Asians talking off their shoes. and I'm like "yeah... that's normal and socially mandatory in Europe in most places".
Den Tweed 4 years ago
Not at all, it's very regional or in other parts very much depends on the person. None of the people in my social circle do this and honestly it would make me very uncomfortable having to do that
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Winna Libert 3 years ago (edited)
Pretty sure that's fairly common practice here as well. Also to consider, there's many things far more worrisome than some dirt being drug in..public places may have all manner of toxins, bodily fluids, etc.
Jb Dean 3 years ago
I was born & raised in Hawai’i & we NEVER wear shoes in the house! I still do this as does my daughter, her husband & their kids. Outside shoes do NOT belong indoors! My upstairs neighbor drives me crazy w her shoes clopping on the hardwood floors all hours of the day & night! 😡
Zaza 4 years ago (edited)
I never knew this was a thing until I was in my twenties. Only ever had 1 person ask me to take off my shoes and that was because they had brand new white carpet installed. I still don't personally know anyone who doesn't wear shoes in the house. I myself wear shoes in the house because I have extremely sensitive feet and my cats like to spread the litter all over the floor every day. I thouroughly wipe my shoes on the mat before going inside and I vacuum and mop the floor every day. While I get the point, it's not as disgusting as people think. Also I think my floor is a lot cleaner than those of people who don't vacuum and mop every day because they don't wear shoes in the house, so. Edit: forgot to mention I'm in The Netherlands, born and raised
Vladimíra Matejová 4 years ago
slovakia. you mostly wear inside shoes. it is not that you remove shoes you mostly change for more comfortable shoes. you can still vacuum everyday and wear inside shoes
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Claire 3 years ago
I think it should be about how the visitor is comfortable. Apparently some don't want their company to be comfortable. A little selfish.
Amina Advany Maglajlić 3 years ago
If the visitor will be paying for carpet steaming and will be sanitizing my floors after they leave then they are more than welcome to wear shoes. Shoes walk on the same ground people have spit on, peed on, most of the time people have stuff on their shoes they don't even know about. It's selfish to have someone be exempted from a house rule just because they don't want to.
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Beaver boi 3 years ago
I live in america and everyone i've met takes of their shoes at home...
Jitka Šedová 3 years ago
In my country even the guests usually take their shoes off and they are offered a spare pair of slippers by the host. I know this habit freaks some foreigners out...
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
Who the hell wants to wear shoes in the house? Everyone I know does this.
Eva Zaqqum 3 years ago
I find it disgusting walking around the house in the same shoes I've been walking in the city. That's just gross. All the spits, sh**s, dirt.... Big no
Matt Ronald Slater 3 years ago
Everyone I know (I am American) takes their shoes off in the house. Why wouldn't you?
SlartyBlartFast 4 years ago
Of course you take off your shoes! You been outside, stepping on who knows what and now you feel it's OK to bring said who knows what in my clean house, how is this not normal??
Mariya Stoyanova 4 years ago
You'd be surprised how many people think this is ok because having someone walk around in their socks is "disgusting" - "they can have fungus". Well, Karen, you'd better not find out what dirty shoes have then
Karl Baxter 4 years ago
I’m in the UK and wouldn’t dream of making people remove their footwear before coming into my house. I know some very houseproud people who do but it’s certainly not the norm. I own a Hoover - I can use it later if there are any issues.
Vladimíra Matejová 4 years ago
in slovakia it is a common courtesy to remove your shoes. most ppl have slipers for guests
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Lisa Murphy 3 years ago
My family and all kids who come over to play take their shoes off when they enter. Adult guests do what they are most comfortable with. A couple of times I've asked a guest to take of their shoes because I felt the shoes were dirty. They next time they came over they brought their house shoes. Each household in the US has it's own way. As far as TV shows are concerned, ummm it's TV. Enough said.
Cathy Hurd 3 years ago
My house, my rules. I wear shoes in my house and I don't expect guests to remove theirs.
Nancie Jeanne 3 years ago
If you're a guest, do you have to put on slippers that other people have worn? Ewww.
ThePlantMoss 3 years ago
Generally I would just wander around in my socks
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Lynda Mendez 3 years ago
typically in your own home it makes sense to walk around comfortably in slippers, socks.. whatever.. But imagine having guests over for dinner, or an event.. and everyone is in socks, and or barefoot.. talking to someone and their feet.. ugh just gross. :)
ThePlantMoss 3 years ago
I dont know about you, but I don't generally look at someone's feet when I'm talking to them.
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Logan Duffy 3 years ago
bro i do this everyday,we got new couches and my mom doesn't want us to have shoes on the couches.also i just want my feet to be free from the prison that is socks and shoes on for an entire school day.
Issei Hyoudou 3 years ago
Well , in INDIA we can't enter in home with shoes on , or get ready for a good beating/lecture (depends on age) from mom..... HOW DARE YOU IGNORE THE RULES... 😤😤
AAPnonraeba 3 years ago
Sometimes If you have clean soles than host can allow you in them. But why would you want to look your feet in the same shoos that long?
Tracy Danis 3 years ago (edited)
I’ve been to a home with white carpets in the USA and was horrified they let us wear our shoes. Can you imagine what kind of things you bring in on shoes, guaranteed there is animal feces hiding somewhere in that rug
Veronica Grey 3 years ago
I always change my shoes when I get home. Can't walk barefoot anymore due to a leg injury so I have an pair of sandals with a low heel that I only wear at home. It's better than leaving dirt, dead leaves, whatever across the floor and more comfortable than wearing boots or heels all day. When I worked in offices, the first thing I did after sitting at my desk, was to kick off my shoes. They only went back on if I had to leave the room.
Laura Mandado Cacho 3 years ago
Well, I live in Spain and I don't take my shoes off at the door, neither do my family or friends usually
somnomania 3 years ago
i take my shoes off when i get home, and they stay out of the way in the kitchen. i hate wearing shoes, they make me too warm and if i'm on carpet in them i have a tendency to trip.
Memere 3 years ago
I tried to initiate that in our new house when we moved. My husband refused, but he's gotten a bit better about it since I talked about walking around outside where animals poop & pee, people spit, etc. Plus with the tread on the shoes we both wear, it's easy to pick up small rocks & scratch the hell out of the wood floors. I take my shoes off just inside the door & change to house slippers & he does most of the time.
Stephanie Cates 3 years ago
I love this. I wish my husband would comply. There are outside shoes and house shoes.
Connie Leal 3 years ago
I always take my shoes off, first thing... They just aren't as comfy as going barefoot
Marci Rommal 3 years ago
We have adopted this practice. Shoes come off first thing, at the front door.
Pat Shelby 3 years ago
I think that is a great idea. I thought it was strange when I heard an aunt say her husband always took off his shoes before he came in after work. But it made sense. We are like tenth generation USA, but wherever they got the idea, it helps.
Sandrapocalypse 3 years ago
This is a Canadian thing too. I don't want gum/dog poop/people spit, tracked across my floor where my children sit and play!
Natalia Gehenna 3 years ago
This is not a normal European thing. It might be in a country or two, I don't know, but it's definitely not the norm everywhere.
Anita Pickle 3 years ago
Many people in the US remove their shoes. I do not know anyone that keeps them on.
Topher Puri 3 years ago
people keep their shoes on? I have lived in both Germany and the US and have not seen any households where the family keeps their shoes on indoors.
Frozengeckolover 4 years ago (edited)
I take off my shoes, and my pants off as soon as I get home. But that might be frowned upon in someone else's house.
Jack Corbyn 4 years ago
I hate to burst your bubble, but a lot of Americans take off their shoes in their homes.
Melanie A. Panlilio 4 years ago
Yeh..we do too.. leave all those germs* from walking in public places,,mud,,ect,,, outside of your home to reduce illnesses... so you can walk barefoot safely in ur home 😉
Luka Hamer 4 years ago
I do usually kick off my shoes when I get home, but that's a comfort thing. I don't take them of when I go to someone elses house (unless they would ask of course) nor does anyone need to when they come to my house, unless they are really muddy or something. And the people going eeeww cleanliness! dirt! dust! germs! Most people do not lick the floor or eat from it so I don't see the big problem.
Suzanne Haigh 4 years ago
I remove my shoes immediately I enter any house. I hate wearing shoes
Rachael Denver 4 years ago
This depends on where you live in the US. I wear slippers in the house so my bare feet stay soft. Where I come from in the US it is considered rude to make a guest take off their shoes, however. I remove mine but would never ask a guest to do the same unless their shoes were muddy.
Ivy la Sangrienta 4 years ago
There isn't a single household I've been to in my country where shoes were allowed. In the UK every single one were shoe wearing homes.
Mike Loux 4 years ago
My wife and I go barefoot in our house all the time, but we don't require it of our (very occasional) guests (although they generally do as well, because they're cool people). But we also don't have any wall-to-wall carpeting in any rooms (tile throughout, with some area rugs that are easy to clean), so we don't worry about it, either.
Ely Tanaka 4 years ago
I'f you live in a house and constantly go out in the garden, it would be useless
ThePlantMoss 3 years ago
You could always do what my grandma does and keep a pair of crocs or something by the door to the garden!
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Mama Penguin 4 years ago
I think it's absolutely disgusting, especially if you have carpeted floor. Yuck.
Katinka Min 4 years ago
Huh? People leave their outdoor shoes on, indoors? Why?? Although that would explain the bizarro high-helll situations I keep seeing in american movies.
g90814 4 years ago
Not a thing. People don't get into bed with shoes on, unless they are incredibly intoxicated.
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#9
I don't know if this would horrify Americans as I've never heard it discussed, but where I live in Europe (Luxembourg), voting is mandatory and you can get fined for not voting in an election. You can still spoil your ballot, so you don't have to decide between lesser evils if you don't want to, but you have to make the effort to go to the polling station or submit a postal vote. It guarantees a high voter turnout and by extension more representative elections, coupled with a proportional voting system so we're not locked into a two-party mess like the UK or the US - not that it's without its issues of course, but I think it's an improvement.
#11
At least in Germany, nudity. No one cares if you're naked, no one thinks you're a sex offender, no one thinks it's even sexual to be naked unless you're actively having sex, and no one makes it weird. You can be naked in public parks to soak up sun, on beaches, swim naked in lakes. Saunas are all naked, mixed sex areas in spas and saunas are naked with no issues and in general, it's just not an issue.
Tassenküchlein168 4 years ago
At least where I live in Germany it’s NOT usual to be naked in parks or bathing naked in crowded places, except they’re designated as nude areas. Topless is tolerated in most urban parks, if you don’t Walk around. Otherwise it’s a "Public nuisance", which is an administrative offense and is punished by a penalty fee.
#12
From what I’ve heard, allowing retail workers to sit. I’ve heard it’s regular for people to be sitting in Europe as cashiers, but in the us it is seen as lazy. Only store I know of that allows it is Aldi and that’s because it helps their cashiering metrics.
#13
You don't have to answer your phone on vacation.
#14
The number of rooms in the description of apartments. 1 room in the US usually means 1 bedroom, a living room ,and separate kitchen. Was shocked when I realized it means everything inside one room in most European countries
Robert T 4 years ago (edited)
In the UK we normally describe properties as 1 bed, 2 bed etc. and give a separate count of other rooms. Studio is normally used to describe rooms of mixed use. So a 1 bed studio apartment will normally be a combined kitchen, living and sleeping space with a separate bath- or shower-room.
#16
Not being super patriotic.
Got Myself 4 Dwarves 4 years ago
I love being Scottish, I love living here, the people (mostly), the accepting and open culture, the sarcastic swearing humour, that we can take the piss out of ourselves - but I don't feel the need to fly a flag on my doorstep or cover myself in Scottish symbols and scream about my freedom and rights and chant some verse every morning - im sure there are plenty of Americans who also think that the stereotypical over the top patriotic American is as odd as outsiders do - but they do tend to be the loudest
#17
Long paid parental leaves and month long holidays (vacations).
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Fun fact: These are all things that Unions achieved and next the government made them law. Some Americans would go bat shyte crazy over that. "The government has no right to force 25 mandatory vacation days on me!!!!"
#18
Oh man... europe has so many different countries. Something that is completely normal where I live could be frowned upon as soon as I cross the next border. But in general we tip for good service, not bc we have to. A rude waitress won't get tipped by me. Also we usually remove our shoes before we enter a home. And yep, "free" healthcare.
Roxy Eastland 4 years ago
Absolutely, what's acceptable in Spain wouldn't fly in Denmark and vice versa. All countries have their own cultures. The first time, years before the internet through reading American magazines, I came across 'Europe' being referred to as a homogeneous whole I was extremely confused. I was also highly entertained by all the adverts stating 'Everyone in Europe is using this product' for something I'd never seen in my life.
#19
Not giving your debit/credit card to your server but doing it yourself
Jon Steensen 4 years ago (edited)
It prevents them from copying you card information and using them to commit fraud by buying stuff online with your creditcard information. In fact I think we ought to memorise the control numbers on the back of the card and then remove them for the card. Having them there is like writing the pin code on the card with a marker, it is just making abuse way too easy.
#20
Sitting a foot away from a complete stranger and then completely ignoring them.
#21
Americans get so bend out of shape over naked children running around the beach.
On every beach in Bulgaria I've been, naked children is the norm, women sunbathing in monokini is considered absolutely normal, while naked men are okay only in the nude sections of the beaches. And every beach has a nude section.
#22
Smaller food portions
#23
Not enrolling your kid in extracurricular activities. In Europe, some kids are enrolled in a sport or club and the older ones are mostly responsible for getting there and figuring out their schedule. In America, some parents are so obsessed with kids sports that the whole family's existence revolves around it, or they get judgemental when they hear that a kid isn't involved in any sports or clubs.
#24
Not doing small talk.
#26
Almost every car having a manual transmission. when i visited ukraine, i only saw rich people with automatic cars
#27
Charging for water at a restaurant.
brukernavn340 4 years ago
In Norway you'll get tap water when you ask for water, and that's free.
#28
Bidets? I was born and raised in the US and I think they're efficient and far more hygienic than TP, but apparently most other dudes in this country think it's gay to clean up after your business is done lol
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen 4 years ago
The only really gay thing I know is falling in love with someone of the same gender as yourself. If cleaning your ass after you've been to the toilet is 'gay' to you, you have some real issues.
#29
In Germany, looking for a apartment doesn't automatically mean it will come 100% with a kitchen. 90% they don't have them in and you have to buy them yourself.
Lila Launehase 4 years ago
That's one of the most stupid things in Germany. The kitchen should belong to the apartment.
#30
Underage drinking seems more of a crime in the US - in most cases of a kid is caught with alcohol in the UK it's just confiscated and poured away. Strictly speaking the age you can drink alcohol is really low as well, so long as you're home with a parent I think it's like 5/6. When you're in a restaurant you're also allowed low percentage alcohol like cider with a meal so long as you're with an adult.
#31
Doesn't apply to every european country, but prison sentences are a lot shorter. Life in prison without parole is extremely rare and many countries do not have such sentences. For example the maximum sentence here in Finland is called "Life in prison" but the avarage time spent in prison before release is 13-14 years for them.
Burs 4 years ago (edited)
I disagree with this as well. For small crimes (like dealing weed) their prison sentences should be short and focus on rehabilitation. But for major crimes they should be extremely long. Not “I gang raped a minor and got 13 years of prison and I will do 8”. You destroy a life, you should pay more than that.
#32
Having an electric kettle.
80 Van 4 years ago
This one comes up a lot on these lists. I use an electric kettle at home and at work. They are readily available at home goods stores in the US. I think they are not as foreign as it is imagined, they just aren’t a household staple, mostly because more people prefer coffee than tea in the US. I am an avid tea drinker myself, so I equipped my house accordingly.
#33
Not tipping your server in a restaurant.
#34
Paying for bathrooms.
Lila Launehase 4 years ago
I am happy to pay for a bathroom if it is clean. The free toilets on the highway are mostly more than disgusting.
#35
Being completely naked in a sauna (mixed men and women)
#36
As a Czech person, my American wife was blown away that we let kids in pubs or bars.
#37
Men on scooters. Apparently here in the USA I get made fun of... What?!! Even Mexico and London dudes on scooters is normal
#39
Leaving your baby to sleep in a stroller outside. Be it at home on the balcony/garden or outside a restaurant.
#40
Uh, where do I start? German here, living in the US. How about TV tax? I bet americans would go bonkers over it lol. I mean, so do Germans, but - wait for it, it's a classic - "what can you do?"
#41
Some countries in Europe have church taxes (the state collects money through the taxation system and hands a slice of it over to the national church) and/or state-paid clergy.
#42
The amount of people who still smoke. Especially smoking in restaurants restaurants. Nothing like sitting in a beautiful cafe and having someone at the table next to you light up just as your food arrives.
Also putting tobacco in weed.
What do you think ?
Susie Elle 4 years ago (edited)
Gotta say that "things normal in Europe" means you take more than 40 very different countries together. Example; The Netherlands doesn't have bagged milk at all, we don't allow underage drinking in the general sense and we don't leave kids in strollers outside. We're one of the few countries that use diseases as swear words, though :)
Trisha Chase 4 years ago
The same could be said for the United States. People love to generalize Americans, but the truth is we're vastly different from one another. I notice a lot of ignorance from Europeans about the differences in Americans. Like someone made a southern Texas joke towards me and I had to explain I'm from the east coast. It seems like they forget how big America really is.
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Bored Seb 4 years ago
As an european who spend so much time in the states I just can't see the US as one country... there are so much differences depending on where you are... and I'm so just tired of those meaningless comparison...
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
This is even more true for Europe. They are lumping 40 different countries into this comparison.
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Robert Buxwin 4 years ago
About half of these are just cultural differences that aren't "Horrific" one way or the other, and some even reflect badly on the Europeans, not to mention the whole "not all of Europe, but n a few places..." thing. So basically, the author is full of s**t.
A Cat Named Dragon 4 years ago
I am not sure that anyone in the US finds these things “horrific.” I assume no Americans were consulted in the creation of this list? Bull fighting… this is an example of something horrific…
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago (edited)
Yeah. It's awful. I think it's only parts of Spain though. (I could be wrong) not the kind of thing I want to google.
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KimB 4 years ago
One "European" concept I wish the US would embrace is free college/university!
Ivy la Sangrienta 4 years ago
Yup. It's very freeing not having to save up for my son's university.
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HumanBeingFromEarth 3 years ago
Yea. I mean… it’s just sad. All the other nations target America. But I’m used to it.
Load More Replies... Mike Crow 4 years ago
One thing in North America I question is why women’s breasts are considered illegal. I suspect it has to do with the Puritan roots of NA but why does the USA love guns and violence (especially on tv, movies and video games) but as soon as a woman’s breasts are visible everyone throws a fit?
Angela Jester 4 years ago
So often articles like these seem based on stereotypes and Stupid American stories taken as fact. They also feel mean spirited.
John Baker 3 years ago
Yet another post by someone who's never been to the US and doesn't actually know any Americans.
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago
Definitely true. But considering there's so many untrue statements about Europe too it's easy to come to this conclusion. It's all or mostly just b******t.
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Haily Jynne 3 years ago
This is full of a lot of stereotypes, exaggeration, and people who have never gone to the US. It was cool to learn more about 'Europe'. (Europe is a bunch of different countries and cultures, you can't just group them all together like they did the United States.)
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago (edited)
Yes. Sadly there's a bunch of people who lump together all European countries and people tend to lump together all of the US states too. European countries differ. Sometimes very much and sometimes less. And I know it's the same with many states in the US. Never hurt to learn though, which is why I ended up here. ;D
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Angela Jester 3 years ago (edited)
I don't see anything horrific except for the hateful disdain expressed toward Americans.
Paula Steiner 3 years ago
Americans can be pretty damn disdainful of whole groups of people, it's the driving force behind much of our politics.
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Clint Carter 4 years ago
The problem is that Americans are stereotyped by The politics of rural areas predominant primarily in the south and midwest even though that only makes up at a relatively small percentage of the total population. However that gets blown out of proportion because the American political system ensures a disproportionate amount of power to those areas. On the flipside Europeans are stereotyped based on the population of its large cities. But of course if anybody does just a little bit of investigation they will see that rural America and rural Europe are very similar (why do you think Brexit happened?) American cities and European cities are also very similar. Even more extreme many of the countries of Eastern Europe are considerably more conservative than even the most conservative parts of America.
Karen Langley 4 years ago
I'm a bus driver. Taking a bus in America is not horrific, thank you very much.
Frozengeckolover 4 years ago
It depends on where you live. My experience with buses in Atlanta was fine. My experiences with the buses in Alaska was awful!
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Tomaž Sajovic 4 years ago
Looks like Americans aren't as "free" as they think they are and as they would like the World to see them.
LaGitanaTriste 3 years ago
So much content on BP is Europe vs USA. Like f**k off already... we don’t need any more division and hatred in the world
ZAPanda 3 years ago
Agreed. I wonder why it is like that though? Maybe the states is a soft target for some reason.
Load More Replies... Natalia Gehenna 3 years ago
Please stop viewing Europe as one country. It's a group of very different countries, with different culture, different history, different languages, different customs, different way of life. European countries are NOT like US states, they don't really have nearly as much in common. And while they're a group and share a currency now (and it's only been 20 years) and all that, you cannot group all European countries and treat them like they're all the same. Enough of this, please.
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago
Not all european countries are members of the eu though. But I agree, most european countries have many differences.
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Faith Hurst 4 years ago
So many of these are not even close to true. Someone is watching too many movies.
Melissa Nunya 4 years ago
I have to wonder why these kinds of generalizations are only acceptable about Americans/America. Many of these would largely depend on where you live in America
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
This entire post generalizes the entirety of Europe as well. Most of these examples absolutely do not apply for the majority of countries in Europe.
Load More Replies... HumanBeingFromEarth 3 years ago
A lot of the things on this list isn’t true. Downvote me if you want.
Hailey House 3 years ago
definitely another bored panda Stigma induced post for both Europe and America. though it definitely likes to stir up hate in a lot of different forms of these stigmas of Europe and America I think it could have potential of having some fun conversations if delt right...*if* being key because for this Panda, that can't happen in heaven or hell it seems...this Boredpanda loves to just dump loads on America usually which really frustrates me. and this time had a bonus with Europe in it.
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
For those who misspell America, it just goes to prove you Europeans are a bunch of snotty little pricks.
John Smith 3 years ago (edited)
The author simply revealed their ignorance. It’s embarrassing to see someone actually wrote this truly fact-anemic tripe. I will give one example. The “public purchase and consumption of alcohol” is illegal until age 21. However in 45 states, on private property, with parental consent children may consume any alcohol they wish. The drinking age in this case can go down to 12. The government limited public drinking but preserved parents rights to teach their children to drink responsibility. In America, on private property, one can enjoy a beer or 100 proof whiskey with their child…if they desire. Most parents choose to wait. A simple google search would do you well.
Kuchi Kopi 3 years ago (edited)
The only thing I would find horrific that is done in many parts of Europe is leaving your baby outside a shop in their stroller. I know its quite common in some places, (lived in many different European countries growing up). But if I saw that in America I would start freaking out lol. Cops would immediately be called by someone, it would be a whole thing.
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago (edited)
Not saying ALL americans are patriotic. Although I myself would never feel the same need to defend my country like some (again not all) americans do here. Maybe I'm missing something, it's probably not a bad thing to defend your country. I just never get the urge to defend my country. Is that weird? I hope I am not offending anyone by asking this.
Becky Boat 3 years ago
I have a home on 10 acres that is very remote no bus would come there. I also require a lot of tools to do my job and could not take them on the bus. I have never been shot nor have I shot anyone though I do enjoy match shooting g and own many firearms. I guess Europe has zero child molesters and kids are never abducted over there. We do have crime and kids can be abducted so to allow your kids to roam freely is negligent. Plus they might crash on their bike or be hit by a car. I don't know of any kids that are not involved in some kind of extra curriculum activity and I have never been charged for water. It is illegal in Arizona to not provide water if requested. We smile to be pleasant unlike Europeans.
Becky Boat 3 years ago
First of all as an America has plenty of issues I will admit. We aren't perfect like you Europeans. Everyone I know removes their shoes when entering a home. Some may keep shoes by the door that are only worn indoors as they have foot problems and shoes provide comfort. To each there own but I have no desire to see old wrinkled sweaty testicle, or gray public hair or any public hair, sagging breasts or stretch marks that make it look like a person was mauled by a tiger. Fish belly white rolls of fat or even a naked super model naked. I took Spanish for 4 years in high school as a foreign language was required. As a business owner employees are given paid vacations, paid sick days, paid holidays and we are a Construction Company when an employees partner has a baby they get 3 days off to help the new mother and baby settle in paid. If the spouse can't handle a newborn after that then they shouldn't have had a kid. So many people abuse sick days though and screw over coworkers
Cheryl Cutright 3 years ago
I really take offense with the whole if u can't handle a new born after 3 days u shouldn't of had one. There can be literally hundreds of reasons a new mom needs help after delivering a child she could have had a c-section or a difficult birth the child could had birth defects or other issues that were unforeseen. The child could have colic there could be other siblings in the home and they are not adjusting to the new arrival there's also postpartum depression like I said literally hundreds of things and to judge a person after only three days and saying they shouldn't have had one what are they going to do put the child back because that's about how much sense your post made
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Aliquid A 4 years ago
This is simply showing differences... one could just as easily say this is "European bashing" if you decide that the American side of the difference is the preferred version. (and in some of these cases, that would be an easy argument)
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Shruti Patel 3 years ago
Usa is like a fourth cousin twice removed of European countries that had the guts to jump over the wall to go see the world and so they evolved in their own way . And it doesn't seem so problematic to me. I love both.
Jihana 4 years ago
So...pointing out differences means you're hating the country? Got it. Are there any other conditions other than patriotic paranoia you want to tell us about?
Load More Replies... Susie Elle 4 years ago (edited)
Gotta say that "things normal in Europe" means you take more than 40 very different countries together. Example; The Netherlands doesn't have bagged milk at all, we don't allow underage drinking in the general sense and we don't leave kids in strollers outside. We're one of the few countries that use diseases as swear words, though :)
Trisha Chase 4 years ago
The same could be said for the United States. People love to generalize Americans, but the truth is we're vastly different from one another. I notice a lot of ignorance from Europeans about the differences in Americans. Like someone made a southern Texas joke towards me and I had to explain I'm from the east coast. It seems like they forget how big America really is.
Load More Replies... Bored Seb 4 years ago
As an european who spend so much time in the states I just can't see the US as one country... there are so much differences depending on where you are... and I'm so just tired of those meaningless comparison...
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
This is even more true for Europe. They are lumping 40 different countries into this comparison.
Load More Replies... Robert Buxwin 4 years ago
About half of these are just cultural differences that aren't "Horrific" one way or the other, and some even reflect badly on the Europeans, not to mention the whole "not all of Europe, but n a few places..." thing. So basically, the author is full of s**t.
A Cat Named Dragon 4 years ago
I am not sure that anyone in the US finds these things “horrific.” I assume no Americans were consulted in the creation of this list? Bull fighting… this is an example of something horrific…
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago (edited)
Yeah. It's awful. I think it's only parts of Spain though. (I could be wrong) not the kind of thing I want to google.
Load More Replies... KimB 4 years ago
One "European" concept I wish the US would embrace is free college/university!
Ivy la Sangrienta 4 years ago
Yup. It's very freeing not having to save up for my son's university.
Load More Replies... HumanBeingFromEarth 3 years ago
Yea. I mean… it’s just sad. All the other nations target America. But I’m used to it.
Load More Replies... Mike Crow 4 years ago
One thing in North America I question is why women’s breasts are considered illegal. I suspect it has to do with the Puritan roots of NA but why does the USA love guns and violence (especially on tv, movies and video games) but as soon as a woman’s breasts are visible everyone throws a fit?
Angela Jester 4 years ago
So often articles like these seem based on stereotypes and Stupid American stories taken as fact. They also feel mean spirited.
John Baker 3 years ago
Yet another post by someone who's never been to the US and doesn't actually know any Americans.
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago
Definitely true. But considering there's so many untrue statements about Europe too it's easy to come to this conclusion. It's all or mostly just b******t.
Load More Replies... Haily Jynne 3 years ago
This is full of a lot of stereotypes, exaggeration, and people who have never gone to the US. It was cool to learn more about 'Europe'. (Europe is a bunch of different countries and cultures, you can't just group them all together like they did the United States.)
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago (edited)
Yes. Sadly there's a bunch of people who lump together all European countries and people tend to lump together all of the US states too. European countries differ. Sometimes very much and sometimes less. And I know it's the same with many states in the US. Never hurt to learn though, which is why I ended up here. ;D
Load More Replies... Angela Jester 3 years ago (edited)
I don't see anything horrific except for the hateful disdain expressed toward Americans.
Paula Steiner 3 years ago
Americans can be pretty damn disdainful of whole groups of people, it's the driving force behind much of our politics.
Load More Replies... Clint Carter 4 years ago
The problem is that Americans are stereotyped by The politics of rural areas predominant primarily in the south and midwest even though that only makes up at a relatively small percentage of the total population. However that gets blown out of proportion because the American political system ensures a disproportionate amount of power to those areas. On the flipside Europeans are stereotyped based on the population of its large cities. But of course if anybody does just a little bit of investigation they will see that rural America and rural Europe are very similar (why do you think Brexit happened?) American cities and European cities are also very similar. Even more extreme many of the countries of Eastern Europe are considerably more conservative than even the most conservative parts of America.
Karen Langley 4 years ago
I'm a bus driver. Taking a bus in America is not horrific, thank you very much.
Frozengeckolover 4 years ago
It depends on where you live. My experience with buses in Atlanta was fine. My experiences with the buses in Alaska was awful!
Load More Replies... Tomaž Sajovic 4 years ago
Looks like Americans aren't as "free" as they think they are and as they would like the World to see them.
LaGitanaTriste 3 years ago
So much content on BP is Europe vs USA. Like f**k off already... we don’t need any more division and hatred in the world
ZAPanda 3 years ago
Agreed. I wonder why it is like that though? Maybe the states is a soft target for some reason.
Load More Replies... Natalia Gehenna 3 years ago
Please stop viewing Europe as one country. It's a group of very different countries, with different culture, different history, different languages, different customs, different way of life. European countries are NOT like US states, they don't really have nearly as much in common. And while they're a group and share a currency now (and it's only been 20 years) and all that, you cannot group all European countries and treat them like they're all the same. Enough of this, please.
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago
Not all european countries are members of the eu though. But I agree, most european countries have many differences.
Load More Replies... Faith Hurst 4 years ago
So many of these are not even close to true. Someone is watching too many movies.
Melissa Nunya 4 years ago
I have to wonder why these kinds of generalizations are only acceptable about Americans/America. Many of these would largely depend on where you live in America
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
This entire post generalizes the entirety of Europe as well. Most of these examples absolutely do not apply for the majority of countries in Europe.
Load More Replies... HumanBeingFromEarth 3 years ago
A lot of the things on this list isn’t true. Downvote me if you want.
Hailey House 3 years ago
definitely another bored panda Stigma induced post for both Europe and America. though it definitely likes to stir up hate in a lot of different forms of these stigmas of Europe and America I think it could have potential of having some fun conversations if delt right...*if* being key because for this Panda, that can't happen in heaven or hell it seems...this Boredpanda loves to just dump loads on America usually which really frustrates me. and this time had a bonus with Europe in it.
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
For those who misspell America, it just goes to prove you Europeans are a bunch of snotty little pricks.
John Smith 3 years ago (edited)
The author simply revealed their ignorance. It’s embarrassing to see someone actually wrote this truly fact-anemic tripe. I will give one example. The “public purchase and consumption of alcohol” is illegal until age 21. However in 45 states, on private property, with parental consent children may consume any alcohol they wish. The drinking age in this case can go down to 12. The government limited public drinking but preserved parents rights to teach their children to drink responsibility. In America, on private property, one can enjoy a beer or 100 proof whiskey with their child…if they desire. Most parents choose to wait. A simple google search would do you well.
Kuchi Kopi 3 years ago (edited)
The only thing I would find horrific that is done in many parts of Europe is leaving your baby outside a shop in their stroller. I know its quite common in some places, (lived in many different European countries growing up). But if I saw that in America I would start freaking out lol. Cops would immediately be called by someone, it would be a whole thing.
Cat Crazy Lady 3 years ago (edited)
Not saying ALL americans are patriotic. Although I myself would never feel the same need to defend my country like some (again not all) americans do here. Maybe I'm missing something, it's probably not a bad thing to defend your country. I just never get the urge to defend my country. Is that weird? I hope I am not offending anyone by asking this.
Becky Boat 3 years ago
I have a home on 10 acres that is very remote no bus would come there. I also require a lot of tools to do my job and could not take them on the bus. I have never been shot nor have I shot anyone though I do enjoy match shooting g and own many firearms. I guess Europe has zero child molesters and kids are never abducted over there. We do have crime and kids can be abducted so to allow your kids to roam freely is negligent. Plus they might crash on their bike or be hit by a car. I don't know of any kids that are not involved in some kind of extra curriculum activity and I have never been charged for water. It is illegal in Arizona to not provide water if requested. We smile to be pleasant unlike Europeans.
Becky Boat 3 years ago
First of all as an America has plenty of issues I will admit. We aren't perfect like you Europeans. Everyone I know removes their shoes when entering a home. Some may keep shoes by the door that are only worn indoors as they have foot problems and shoes provide comfort. To each there own but I have no desire to see old wrinkled sweaty testicle, or gray public hair or any public hair, sagging breasts or stretch marks that make it look like a person was mauled by a tiger. Fish belly white rolls of fat or even a naked super model naked. I took Spanish for 4 years in high school as a foreign language was required. As a business owner employees are given paid vacations, paid sick days, paid holidays and we are a Construction Company when an employees partner has a baby they get 3 days off to help the new mother and baby settle in paid. If the spouse can't handle a newborn after that then they shouldn't have had a kid. So many people abuse sick days though and screw over coworkers
Cheryl Cutright 3 years ago
I really take offense with the whole if u can't handle a new born after 3 days u shouldn't of had one. There can be literally hundreds of reasons a new mom needs help after delivering a child she could have had a c-section or a difficult birth the child could had birth defects or other issues that were unforeseen. The child could have colic there could be other siblings in the home and they are not adjusting to the new arrival there's also postpartum depression like I said literally hundreds of things and to judge a person after only three days and saying they shouldn't have had one what are they going to do put the child back because that's about how much sense your post made
Load More Replies... Aliquid A 4 years ago
This is simply showing differences... one could just as easily say this is "European bashing" if you decide that the American side of the difference is the preferred version. (and in some of these cases, that would be an easy argument)
Load More Replies... Shruti Patel 3 years ago
Usa is like a fourth cousin twice removed of European countries that had the guts to jump over the wall to go see the world and so they evolved in their own way . And it doesn't seem so problematic to me. I love both.
Jihana 4 years ago
So...pointing out differences means you're hating the country? Got it. Are there any other conditions other than patriotic paranoia you want to tell us about?
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